Unplug and unwind in the Pyrenees

There’s nothing like getting away for a weekend and being surrounded by sweeping views, good company and fine wine.

Renowned for its gourmet food, award-winning wine and contemporary energy, it’s easy to see why more and more people are heading to the Pyrenees for a weekend escape.

And while you might be familiar with the diverse wineries of the region, there’s many more hidden secrets just waiting to be discovered.

So what are you waiting for? Pack the car and hit the quiet country roads on a discovery of vineyards, cellar doors and stunning views. 

Some of our favourite things to do

• Head out on a journey through ruggedly beautiful bushland and discover the cool climate shiraz flavours of the region with Rotundone Road Winery Tours. As part of this experience, you’ll get to visit the cellar doors of Mount Langi Ghiran, Mountainside Wines and Dogrock.
   
• Get your friends together for the Pyrenees Unearthed Wine and Food Festival. You’ll have the chance to chat with local winemakers, take part in masterclasses or simply sit back and sip on the finest drop as you listen to blissful music on the shores of the Avoca River.
   
• With more than 25 cellar doors to explore, it’s easy to plan a whole weekend in the Pyrenees wine region. Go during the wine harvest season and there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself talking to the winemakers themselves about this crucial step in the wine-making process.

• Pack a picnic and relax or go all out and camp for the night. There are so many great picnic, camping, bushwalking, mountain bike and 4WD options in the Mount Cole and Pyrenees State Forests. All you need to do is choose your own adventure.
   
• Experience a conscious and slow way of living on the 100-acre Glut Farm. Relax in eco-lux accommodation, dine under the stars with thoughtfully selected produce from the local region and feel inspired to live more sustainably.
  
• Explore more than 10 acres of manicured gardens at the picturesque Mount Mitchell homestead.

Make a weekend of it

Stretch your legs in Beaufort 
Just 40 minutes west of Ballarat, you will discover the charming township of Beaufort. Buzzing with local eateries and easy walking trails, it’s the perfect first stop on your journey of the Pyrenees.

If you love digging through pre-loved bits and pieces, then the Beaufort Big Garage Sale is for you.

If art is more your thing, then don’t forget to stop by the Art Trax Gallery. Housed in the historical 1874 Beaufort Railway Station building, this wonderful gallery is run by the artists themselves.

Wander the picturesque main street, where historic architecture dates back to the gold rush, or venture into the Mount Buangor and Mount Cole State Forests where you can hike along the Beeripmo walking track or discover waterfalls along the Waterfalls Nature Walk. 

Don’t forget to grab a coffee and bite to eat from the Pyrenees Pantry before you hit the road again.

To make planning your next trip to Beaufort easy, check out the Explorer Itinerary.

Indulge in good food and wine
From boutique wineries and cosy cafes to long lunches with a view, there’s one thing that can be guaranteed in the Pyrenees – you won’t go hungry.

With more than 200 craft beers and 50 gins on the menu (on top of a seasonally-changing menu that honours traditional pub fare with a modern twist), it’s easy to see why The Avoca Hotel is a multi-award winning eatery.

Discover a menu featuring Spanish tapas and French-inspired fare that the chefs at Zocalo Restaurant at Grape Farm Winery have created to pay homage to the region’s European namesake.

Sit down to a ploughman’s platter or coffee and homemade cakes at the Flying Pig Deli, located at Sally’s Paddock Redbank Winery.

You may have sipped your way around the region tasting wine, but have you tried the gin? Meet Mr Baker and her team at Wimmera Hills Winery and sample the range of delicious Mrs Bakers Gins.

Eat and drink your way through the Pyrenees with the help of this carefully planned three-day Food and Wine Indulgence Weekender Itinerary.

And if that’s not enough, simply head to visitpyrenees.com.au for more inspiration.